Rivers residents want PVCs collection resumed

Police To Remain At Deployed Areas Till New Election Dates- CP
Rivers State residents, who have described the postponement as demoralising, have called for extension of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection.

The extension, according to them, would enable more citizens to collect their cards and exercise their franchise during the new dates for the polls.

The postponement has resulted in serious fracas in the city, especially among youths in Obio/Akpor Local Government.

Trouble started at about 6am, yesterday, after the postponement news broke. People gathered in groups discussing and apportioning blame to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The heated discussion suddenly caused a fight between supporters of APC and PDP, forcing people to scamper for safety.

Across Port Harcourt metropolis, several shops were locked.

Speaking on the socio-economic impact of the postponement, a lecturer in Sociology Department, University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Sofiri Peterside, said the shift created serious bewilderment that could cause lack of confidence in the electoral body.

“No matter how wealthy a person is, it costs a lot to travel, whether with your car, by air or public transport. Extra expenses were made to travel and to return,” he said.

Meanwhile, the State Police Commissioner, Musa Belel has assured that the 15,544 police officers deployed across the state for the failed election date would remain at their duty posts until the new dates for the polls.

Belele told The Guardian that the officers were being kept till the new dates to control crime, and ensure adequate security before and after the elections.